1 All items and boxes must be labelled, BUT all the destination rooms should also be labelled (except maybe kitchen) because removalists don't know from the first second which is "Kid1 Bedroom" etc. In the case of furniture, it is really worthwhile having a rough floor plan worked out beforehand where you want the furniture pieces. This way removalists can do their job without you having to stand there giving instructions. 2. If you have a big enough car, bring all the important things like coffee machine, boiler, cups, drinks, lunch supplies, vacuum cleaner, as well as documents, cameras, jewellery by yourself. Fill your Esky or camping fridge with the cold stuff from the fridge. 3. Definitely de-junk before you go. OR designate a space in the old house for things you WONT take, and deal with that later. Between now and your moving day, try to consume as much as you can from the fridge. 4. Pre-pack as many things as you can before moving day. Don't skimp on wrapping paper for fragile items. Once we had to move on a really, really hot day. We got everything unloaded into the empty double garage first, and then later moved things into the house. This helped the house stay a lot cooler. Have a good move!

Well done on you fabulous (Wow) location & extension! Can you secure the dog behind the deck railing & a small yard section to leave the beach front section open? The post & rope certainly fit the setting if you have to keep people out but a shame to have to do anything at all! The neighbours fence is so obvious & if you want privacy maybe try to do that with plants instead. You will also need salt & wind safe plants which suit your area so look around locally to see what is prospering for ideas.

Depends on what stage you are at! Our architect presented us with a physical model along with a floor plan, right at the beginning of our design process. Without it, we would certainly have struggled to visualise the entire concept, and it definately cemented our faith early in the design. In the 4 months since, he has provided 2D renders of areas we've made minor changes to, and we are now waiting to view the 3D digital render, in order to layer & dress. He is also constructing a final physical model for us. We have an awesome architect!

Ali, I think you are overthinking this, let your back garden be more natural as a contrast to the structured effect of the tiles in the house. I don't think you need consistency, the pool changes the whole vibe of the area so design for the pool to create a welcoming oasis - think tropical island resort. Have you checked with your local Council if there are limits of hardscape you can have? Some Councils do limit this and that will include your roof, driveway, paths, patios, the pool, etc. As well if you want this much hardscape you will need to consider runoff and drainage, particularly to ensure your neighbours don't get swamped in heavy rain or you have areas that puddle and take days to dry out. Consider summer heat too, sitting outside and the radiated heat that comes off hard surfaces, white and light colours reflect heat while dark colours absorb it. As well too much hardscape does not absorb noise - your neighbours will hear all your conversations and noise from the pool will be amplified. If you want that pool area to be inviting, then it needs lush greenery around it to offset this and soften and cool. Carrara marble tiles around a pool look fabulous and would be a great contrast to your dark tiles indoors. The area outside your kitchen should be grassed and include gardens as space for your dogs, even a small tree or two for the environment and to create shade for the dogs. Artificial turf gets extremely hot and would certainly not provide a pleasant or suitable outdoor space for them. I think I would read up on the breed of dog you plan to get also and fully ascertain their needs to ensure you provide properly for them. If you are planning children down the track, they will want a nice safe, green area to play too.